ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study the effectiveness of the 308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of various forms of localized stable psoriasis. BACKGROUND: Recent reports show that 308-nm excimer laser may be an effective and safe method for the treatment of localized stable psoriasis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of a population-based group of 98 patients with various forms of localized stable psoriasis treated with excimer laser. Of these, 41 were male, and 57 were female patients. Ages ranged from 10 to 84 years (mean, 51.4 years). Patients who completed at least 10 sessions were included unless they had achieved >70% improvement in PASI scores before 10 treatments. The initial dose was determined by the MED (minimal erythema dose), and the dose was raised gradually in a stepwise fashion. RESULTS: Significant improvement (≥70%) was achieved by 59 (60.2%) patients; they needed an average cumulative dose of 6.46 J/cm(2), and an average of 17 sessions. Twenty-four (24.5%) patients achieved good improvement (50% to 70%); the average cumulative dose needed was 5.36 J/cm(2), and the average number of sessions required was 12. Side effects were limited to sunburn-like reaction. CONCLUSION: The 308-nm excimer laser is an effective and safe modality for the treatment of psoriasis, with good results achieved in a relatively short time.
Subject(s)
Lasers, Excimer/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Psoriasis/radiotherapy , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Child , Cohort Studies , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Psoriasis/diagnosis , Radiation Dosage , Retrospective Studies , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The process of skin aging is not limited to the face but involves every part of the body, including the hands. A common manifestation of aging of the hands is the loss of volume, which occurs as the skin loses its subcutaneous fat. Injectable dermal fillers have surfaced as a popular method to address such deficiencies. OBJECTIVES: To report the use of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) to address lost volume. METHODS: Five female subjects with soft tissue deficiency of the dorsa of the hands were enrolled at Mount Sinai Medical Center. A solution of CaHA with 2% lidocaine in amounts of 0.3 to 1.0 mL was injected interdigitally at each of three to five insertion sites; the sites were massaged and molded up to three times to ensure an optimal cosmetic end point. Subjects were seen for a follow-up visit after 1, 4, 16, and 24 weeks. RESULTS: With a single injection, all subjects reached their correction goals without requiring any touch-ups. At the 24-week visit, the subjects retained the filling effect, with no adverse events and high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: CaHA, a new, easily injectable, safe dermal filler, has emerged as an excellent option for soft tissue augmentation in aging hands.
Subject(s)
Biocompatible Materials/administration & dosage , Durapatite/administration & dosage , Skin Aging , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Cosmetic Techniques , Female , Hand , Humans , Injections , Middle Aged , Patient Satisfaction , Pilot ProjectsABSTRACT
The purpose of this review is to update cosmetic dermatologists and surgeons on the latest information about botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of the face and neck and to provide a practical guide to effective and safe technique. We review indications, recommended doses and dilutions, storage recommendations and injection techniques.